By: Theresa Moses
As the Sallah celebrations continue, a cholera outbreak that hits Lagos state and threatens lives continue to resonate in the minds of Lagosians.
In response, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Lagos state government with other partners have joined forces to combat the disease.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), there have been about 1,141 suspected cases of cholera in 30 mm, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths reported as of June 11, 2024.
However, Lagos state has reported cases in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe local government areas. The outbreak has affected vulnerable groups, particularly children under five years old, who are prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates.
UNICEF is engaging with communities to share critical information about cholera’s causes, symptoms, and prevention.
The organization is also working with the Lagos state government to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, implement rapid surveillance, promote social mobilization, administer treatment, and utilize oral cholera vaccines (OCV).
The Lagos state government has activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak, working closely with UNICEF, the NCDC, and other partners.
Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, emphasized the importance of good water and sanitation infrastructure in reducing disease outbreaks like cholera.
According to her, “Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics.”
“Investment in WASH infrastructure is critical in preventing cholera outbreaks, and community-led approaches are essential for sustainable prevention,’ she reiterated.
Community-led and participatory approaches are essential for sustainable prevention, Lafoucrier emphasized, adding that, “Communities must take collective action to ensure clean water access and maintain good hygiene.”
By working together, communities can prevent cholera outbreaks and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.
Disease outbreaks like cholera hinders Nigeria’s progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.
However, outbreaks also present opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. “A robust response is needed to improve health infrastructure, enhance economic resilience, and ensure equitable access to health services,” Lafoucrier reiterated.
The cholera outbreak in Lagos state is a stark reminder of the importance of collective action in preventing disease outbreaks. By working together, we can prevent cholera outbreaks and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.
It would be instructive to join UNICEF and the Lagos state government in spreading awareness and keeping our communities safe and healthy. Therefore , Let’s work together to promote clean water access, support proper sanitation infrastructure, and make hand washing a habit. Together, we can prevent cholera outbreaks and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.
Share your story or eyewitness reports with Gatmash News, www.gatmash.com anytime, anywhere! Reach us via SMS/Whatsapp: +234(0)8072022024 or email: [email protected]
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook @Gatmash, and subscribe to Gatmash TV on YouTube.
As a leading news portal, we deliver exclusive breaking news and reports globally. Visit our website: www.gatmash.com
For ad placement, contact us at [email protected] or call +234(0)8072022024.
Join the conversation and stay informed with Gatmash News!
